Harvest Intern

Position Type

Seasonal / Temporary (Harvest Position)

Approximate employment period: August–November, depending on harvest timing and production needs

Reports To

Cellar Lead, Assistant Winemaker, and Director of Winemaking

Position Summary

Pacific Wine Services is seeking a motivated and hardworking Harvest Intern to join our team for the upcoming harvest season. This is a hands-on opportunity to work in a fast-paced custom crush environment alongside a diverse range of winemaking clients and wine styles.

The ideal candidate is eager to learn, thrives in a collaborative team environment, communicates well, takes direction professionally, and understands the importance of working together during the fast pace of harvest. Candidates must have at least one prior harvest experience in a winery or custom crush facility. This role is physically demanding and requires flexibility, attention to detail, accountability, and a consistently positive attitude during long harvest hours.

At Pacific Wine Services, we pride ourselves on cleanliness, organization, efficiency, and top-tier customer service while helping our clients craft wines that reflect their individual vision.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum of one completed wine harvest required

Basic understanding of cellar operations and winery safety procedures

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions

Strong work ethic and willingness to learn

Must work well within a team environment and collaborate effectively with coworkers and supervisors

Ability to take direction well, adapt quickly, and maintain professionalism under pressure

Positive attitude and willingness to assist wherever needed during harvest

Must have reliable transportation to and from work

Forklift experience is a plus, but not required

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Assist with grape receiving, sorting, crushing, and pressing

Perform pumpovers, punchdowns, rackings, and tank/barrel transfers

Sanitize and maintain winery equipment, tanks, hoses, and work areas

Assist with fermentation monitoring and additions under supervision

Barrel work including topping, filling, and cleaning

Support bottling preparation and cellar organization

Follow all winery safety and sanitation protocols

Maintain accurate work records and communicate effectively with supervisors and team members

Assist fellow cellar staff as needed to maintain efficient harvest workflow

Assist with general harvest and cellar tasks as needed

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly

Ability to stand, bend, climb stairs, and work long hours on feet

Comfortable working in wet environments, around machinery, and in varying temperatures

Ability to work extended hours, weekends, and overtime during peak harvest season

Schedule Expectations

Harvest is a demanding and exciting time of year. Candidates should expect:

Seasonal employment approximately August through November

Typical work week during harvest is 6 days per week

Scheduling is based on fruit intake and fermentation activity

We strive to keep schedules around 50 hours per week whenever possible, though additional overtime may occasionally be required during peak harvest periods

Weekend work and occasional evening/night shifts should be expected

Compensation & Perks

$17–$20/hour depending on experience

Overtime opportunities during harvest

Hands-on experience in a dynamic custom crush environment

Opportunity to work with multiple brands, varietals, and winemaking styles

Potential housing options may be available for qualified candidates

About Pacific Wine Services

Pacific Wine Services is a full-service custom crush winery in Paso Robles dedicated to helping clients bring their winemaking vision to life. From grape to bottle, our team supports a wide range of wineries and winemakers through premium custom crush services, cellar operations, lab support, barrel storage, and bottling services.